The critical minerals race is set to escalate in 2025 as Europe and North America aim to reduce dependency on China. Demand for ‘net zero’ minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel is on the rise, with significant mining activities observed in resource-rich nations. This surge in demand brings to light environmental and social concerns, particularly regarding local communities’ rights and ecological impacts. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, Brazil, and the Philippines face challenges linked to mining operations, including violence, ecological damage, and Indigenous rights.
The critical minerals race is expected to intensify in 2025 as European and North American governments compete to secure essential resources, attempting to diminish China’s influence over the supply chain. As demand for vital “net zero” minerals grows, particularly with an anticipated tripling by 2030, mining activities for lithium, cobalt, and nickel are increasing significantly in countries like Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Philippines. However, the push for these minerals is raising environmental and social concerns, especially in resource-rich nations aiming to benefit from the green energy transition.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, possessing the largest cobalt reserves globally, faces challenges with armed groups controlling mining operations. Chinese firms dominate the mining sector, and amidst significant mineral wealth, the region grapples with violence that has led to millions of deaths and displacements. As a consequence, electric vehicle manufacturers are scrutinized regarding the sourcing of materials to ensure they are not associated with conflict. The Congolese government has initiated criminal complaints against major tech companies over the alleged use of conflict minerals in their supply chains.
Chile is recognized for its substantial lithium reserves, also termed “white gold,” which are vital for energy storage solutions. However, lithium mining is infamously water-intensive, threatening the ecosystem and water supply for nearby communities, particularly in the Atacama Desert. The Chilean government intends to establish state control over lithium mining, advocating for sustainable practices and community engagement in the decision-making processes related to mining activities. A national minerals strategy expected in 2025 aims to invest around $83 billion aimed at advancing sustainable mining technologies.
Brazil is witnessing an increase in mining efforts amid rising conflicts, particularly in the biodiverse Amazon region. Reports indicate numerous clashes between Indigenous peoples, small-scale farmers, and mining enterprises, highlighting the impact of mining on local communities. As a leading lithium producer, Brazil is fostering new exploration projects, particularly in the Jequitinhonha Valley, to enhance its footprint in the critical minerals market while balancing ecological concerns.
In the Philippines, the push for minerals necessary for electric vehicle production poses threats to biodiversity and Indigenous land rights. The government aims to bolster domestic mineral processing to support its goal of achieving a 50% share of electric vehicles by 2040. The intense focus on mining projects leads to significant overlaps with critical biodiversity areas, exacerbating the challenge of safeguarding Indigenous territories, as many have lost ancestral lands to mining operations.
The urgency to develop a sustainable energy economy has intensified competition for critical minerals, essential for renewable technologies. Countries rich in these resources are demanding equitable benefits from the burgeoning market while confronting environmental and social crises. The interconnected challenges of mineral extraction raise significant questions regarding sustainability, human rights, and the ethical sourcing of materials as global demand continues to escalate, particularly for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, key components in energy storage and electric vehicles.
The race for critical minerals is evolving against a backdrop of competition and concern for social and environmental justice. As countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, Brazil, and the Philippines navigate mining challenges and opportunities, the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes local communities and ecosystems has never been more critical. Future policies must address the delicate intersection of resource extraction and sustainability, ensuring that the green energy transition does not exacerbate existing inequalities or environmental degradation.
Original Source: www.context.news
